Missions

The Redemptorists were founded to be “extraordinary preachers of the Word of God”.  Preaching is what we do best. We conduct missions, retreats and novenas in churches and parishes all over the country. We have three mission teams, based in Belfast, Limerick Dundalk/Esker.

We have a long tradition in this work.

We came to Ireland in the middle of the nineteenth century, and since then we have been the specialists in preaching and conducting different forms of renewal events. In the past we were known as "hellfire and brimstone preachers". I don't know how true that ever was. There were certainly a few colourful characters in the last century, men like Stiophan Conneely and Johnny Gorey. They were known as strong preachers. Part of the reason for that was the absence of microphones. In order to be heard they needed to shout, and that influenced their style. But most Redemptorists were gentle, with a closeness to people and an understanding of their lives. When I was a young Redemptorist I asked one of the old men, now long dead, if he had ever been a "hellfire" preacher. "I'm afraid not," he replied. "In my sermon the fire of Hell was always fuelled by wet turf."

Nowadys a mission is very different to what it was in the past.

The style and content have both changed dramatically.  It is:

• A week-long event in a parish, at which people gather morning and evening.
• A time to reflect more deeply on life and faith.
• A renewal course in the real meaning of Christian belief and living.
• A great community event. 

Esker Novena 2010

This is the biggest event in the Esker Year. It gathers about four thousand people each day over nine days. It is a lovely event, and because it takes place at the height of summer, it shows Esker at its loveliest. People come from all over the county to pray for their own needs, and for all their friends. A big intention for prayer at this time is success in exams. There are six sessions each day:  8.00am;  10.00am; 4.00pm; 6.00pm; 8.00pm and 10.00pm.

Galway Novena:

This is an annual event in Galway Cathedral.  It is probably the biggest religious event that happens in Ireland each year, attracting between twelve and fifteen thousand people each day for nine days.  There are six sessions each day:  7.45am;  11.00am; 1.10pm;  3. 30pm; 7.30pm and 9.30pm. It is an event that challenges the general perception that people are not going to church anymore.

The 2010 dates are:

If you would like to have a mission or novena in your parish, please ring Fr. Tony Flannery (087 6814699) at the monastery and he will be happy to talk to you.